Cooktown crocodile investigation

Issued: 4 August 2024

Our wildlife officers are assisting Queensland Police with this missing person incident.

Wildlife officers from Cairns travelled to Cooktown last night and conducted a preliminary site inspection of a section of the Annan River.

So far, we have not located a crocodile that is believed to be involved in the incident.

Intensive surveys of the river will be conducted today, including land-based and drone surveys.

Additional wildlife officers are on standby to travel to Cooktown should they be required.

While the circumstances of this matter are yet to be confirmed, we remind everyone that Cooktown is known “Croc Country” and urge everyone to be safe by practising “CrocWise” behaviour, in particular:

• Expect crocodiles in all northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign
• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
• Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating
• The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
• Camp well back from the water
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
• Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

View further information on being Crocwise.